Clor was a short-lived five-piece band from Brixton, England, formed by Barry Dobbin and Luke Smith in 2003 and which signed to the Parlophone record label after only six gigs.[1][2] The band released a self-titled first album, in 2005 to critical acclaim.[3][4][5] The album was selected by NME journalist Krissi Murison for the list of "The 100 Greatest Albums You've Never Heard[6]" published by the NME in 2010.[7][8]
The genesis of Clor was a Soho club night entitled Bad Bunny, run by Dobbin and Smith, who wanted to incorporate their own music into their DJ sets.[1][9] They began recording in Smith's apartment and soon invited associates from the club night into their fold, expanding to a five-piece.[1] Dobbin came upon the name Clor as it "...sounded raw, primitive, and futuristic at the same time".[1] The demo Welcome Music Lovers was recorded in 2004, initially with the idea of being sent out to other clubs to book shows.[1] However, word of mouth saw the offer of a record deal with label Parlophone after just six gigs.[1][2][10] The Welcome Music Lovers EP saw release later in 2004, with singles Love + Pain and Outlines preceding debut album Clor in 2005.[11] In May 2006, the band announced that it had split.[12] Their manager stated that the future paths of Dobbin and Smith were unclear, though would likely involve musical pursuits.[13] Smith has since produced Shitdisco's album, Kingdom of Fear (released April 2007), Foals album Total Life Forever (released May 2010), as well as both albums by singer-songwriter Fryars.[14][15][16][17] Dobbin went on to form and front a new band called Barringtone.[18][19]
